Foot Shaoyin 1-10 Flashcards
KI1 Yong Quan
Rushin Spring
KI1 Location
On the sole of the foot, between the second and third metatarsals, approx. 1/3 the distance on a line drawn from the base of the second toe to the heel of the foot, in a depression formed when the foot is plantar flexed
KI1 Needling
Perpendicular 0.5 - 1 cun
KI1 Associations
Jing Well
Wood Point
Child/Sedation Point
Entry Point
(Trigger Point)
KI1 TCM Actions
Descends excess from the head
Calms the spirit
Revives consciousness and rescues yang
Tonifies Yin, Clears empty heat
KI1 Indications
Revives consciousness: Loss of consciousness
Descend Excess: useful for LV Yang Rising or LV Fire - headaches, tinnitus, hypertension, epilepsy.
Calm Spirit/Shen: agitation, fear, rage, mental health
Tonify KD/HT Yin - insomnia, palpitations, anxiety, poor memory, mania, rage w/desire to kill, hot flashes, night sweats, cardiac inflammation, infertility, impotence
Clears heat: jaundice, constipation, dyspnea with thirst, coughing or vomiting blood
Cooling KD empty heat - chronic sore throat, dry mouth, low back pain, heat in soles of feet
Local/Channel: Lumbar pain, contracted sinews, foot cold and pain, fullness of ribs and chest
KI1 Notes
Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Used to descend the energy in the body particularly after qi gong exercises, energy healing sessions, etc. Useful for headache, nausea, insomnia, etc.
Important point in Taiji and Qigong for feeling the balance through the feet and where Yin is drawn upwards from the Earth, or Yang is drawn down towards. Zhuangzi, Book 6, The Great and Venerable Teacher, says: “The True Man breathes with his heels; the mass of men breathe with their throats”
This is also one of the points in the 3 Treasures treatment along with Shanzhong Ren-17 and Baihui Du-20. The alchemist Ge Hong used moxa on these points for exorcism of ghosts (“Gui”) with Yongquan Kid-1 especially indicated for nightmares of being subdued
KI1 Neuroanatomy
Superficial Innervation: Medial plantar nerve from L4 - L5
Dermatome Segment: L5
KI1 Trigger Point
Muscle: Adductor hallucis
Myotome Innervation: Lateral plantar nerve, from tibial nerve (L5 - S2)
Location Notes: Travell & Simons (1998) describe four points around Yongquan Kid-1, one slightly distal and three medial to the classical location
Pain Referral Pattern: Around points on ball and medial side of foot
Indications: Diseases of the foot
KI1 TCM Patterns
Liver Yang Rising
Liver Fire
KD Yin Xu
HT Yang Xu
KI1 Nearby Points
Bafeng (EX-LE-10): On the dorsum of the foot between the toes, approx. 0.5 cun proximal to the margin of the web. These points include LV2, ST44, and GB43
KI2 Ran Gu
Blazing Valley
KI2 Location
On the medial side of the foot, in the depression distal to the navicular tuberosity
KI2 Needling
Perpendicular 0.5 - 1 cun
KI2 Associations
Ying Spring
Fire Point
(Meeting of kidney with Yin Qiao Mai)
(Trigger Point)
KI2 TCM Actions
Calms deficiency heat
Regulates kidneys
Regulates lower jiao
KI2 Indications
Calms deficiency heat - chronic sore throats, irritability, night sweats, thirst (Wasting and Thirsting disorder), feet hot/cold
Regulates lower jiao - generally useful for clearing excesses & acute presentations.
Regulates kidney and LJ - Lower abdomen/sex organ/genital issues - Irregular menstruation, infertility, uterine prolapse, seminal emissions, impotence, genital itching and/or pain, difficult urination..
Regulates kidneys - KD related emotional imbalances - fear of being apprehended, fright.
Local point for foot problems - swelling and/or pain, restless feet.
Moxa to tonify KD Yang.
KI2 TCM Patterns
KI Yin Deficiency
KI2 Notes
Important point for empty heat from Yin deficiency.
Ling Shu Ch. 24, On Counterflow Diseases, employs the point combination mentioned in Ch. 6 for the treatment of Heart pain. It advises piercing this point and Taixi Kid-3 when treating a severe piercing pain in the Heart associated with the Spleen. It also advises this point in cases of a Heart pain that feels like being struck, with a bent and painful back, associated with the Kidneys. In this case it is an addition to Jinggu Bl-64 and Kunlun Bl-60 if the patient either becomes mad or if the first two points do not relieve the pain.
KI2 Neuroanatomy
Superficial Innervation: Medial calcaneal branches of tibial nerve (S1 - S2)
Dermatome Segment: L4
KI2 Trigger Point
Muscle: Abductor hallucis
Myotome Innervation: Medial plantar nerve from tibial nerve from sciatic nerve (L4 - S3)
Pain Referral Pattern: All around the metatarso-phalangeal joint of the big toe
Indications: Disease of the metatarso-phalangeal joint of the big toe
KI2 Nearby Points
SP4 - In a depression distal and inferior to the base of the first metatarsal bone at the junction of red and white skin
UB63 - On the lateral side of the foot, directly below the anterior border of the lateral malleolus, on the lower border of the cuboid bone (posterior to the tuberosity of the fifth metatarsal bone)
KI3 Tai Xi
Supreme Stream
KI3 Location
In a depression between the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon, level with the prominence of the medial mallelous
KI3 Needling
Perpendicular 0.5 - 1 cun or join to BL60
KI3 Associations
Yuan Source Pt
Shu Stream
Earth Point
KI3 TCM Actions
Tonifies kidney yang
Anchors the qi and benefits lungs
Nourishes kidney yin and clears deficiency heat
Strengthens lumbar spine
KI3 Indications
Tonify KD Qi, Yin or Yang Deficiencies from any etiology.
Anchors qi and benefits lung: Asthma from KD Deficiency - difficulty inhaling.
Tonifies Yin of KD (chronic sore throat, empty heat), LV (dizziness, tinnitus, headache) a/or HT (anxiety, insomnia, excessive dreaming).
Tonifies Yang of KD (impotence, premature ejaculation, seminal emission, weak low back/knees, frequent urination).
Low back pain, usually of a chronic nature.
Local point for heel a/or ankle pain.
KI3 TCM Patterns
Kidney Qi Deficiency
Kidney Yang Deficiency
Kidney Yin Deficiency
KI3 Notes
Foremost point for treating Kidney deficiencies of Yin and Yang. KID 3 is important to use for any Kidney deficiency pattern. Clinically, Yuan-Source points are of great significance in treating diseases of the internal organs. Yuan-Source points are the sites where the Yuan (Primary) qi of the Zang-Fu organs passes and stays. Puncturing the Yuan-Source points stimulates the vital energy of the regular meridians, regulates the functional activities of the internal organs, reinforces antipathogenic factors and eliminates pathogenic factors. This method of treating diseases deals principally with the root causes. The Yuan (source) point from the affected meridian is often combined with the Luo (Connecting) point of the internally-externally related meridians in use. Shu-Stream points are where the qi starts to pour down the meridian. They are known to alleviate heaviness and pain in the joints. On Yin Meridians, Shu-Stream points are identical to the actions of Yuan-Source points.
Ling Shu Ch. 9, On Ends and Beginnings, advises that in the case of Heat associated with receding Yin Qi the Yang conduit should be pierced once and the Yin conduits twice. Based on other recommendation to use the He-Sea of the Yang conduits (Ch. 19) and the Yuan-Source with the Ying-Spring points (Chs. 6, 19 and 24) to clear Heat from the Zangfu, that would suggest this point, Weizhong Bl-40 and Rangu Kid-2 as a protocol to clear Heat in the Kidney/Bladder.
KI3 Neuroanatomy
Superficial Innervation: Medial calcaneal branches of tibial nerve (S1 - S2)
Dermatome Segment: S1
KI3 Nearby Points
UB60 - In a depression between the lateral malleolus and the Achilles tendon, level with the prominence of the lateral malleolus
SP5 - In a depression distal and inferior to the medial malleolus, at the junction of lines drawn along the anterior and inferior borders, midway between the tuberosity of the navicular bone and tip of the medial malleolus
LV4 - Anterior to the medial malleolus, halfway between SP5 and ST41, in a depression on the medial side of the tendon of tibialis anterior
KI4 Da Zhong
Great Bell
KI4 Location
Posterior to the midpoint of a line drawn between KI3 and KI5, on the anterior border of the Achilles tendon
KI4 Needling
Oblique and perpendicular insertion directed anteriorly 0.5 cun; perpendicular 0.3 - 0.5 cun
KI4 Associations
Luo Connecting Point
KI4 TCM Actions
Reinforces the kidney
Anchors the qi and benefits the lung
Strengthens the will and dispels fear
KI4 Indications
Luo Connecting Point - can be used to treat the LI (opposite the chinese clock) constipation and distended abdomen
Reinforces the kidneys: Chronic low back pain, difficult urination, dribbling urination, irregular menstruation
Anchors the qi and benefits lung: Cough, asthma, wheezing, shortness of breath, painful/sore throat.
Strengthens the will and dispels fear: Important point for somnolence, fright/fear, palpitations, reluctance to interact with others.
Local point for heel/ankle issues - pain, strain.
KI4 TCM Patterns
Shen Disturbance
Heart Yin Xu
KI4 Notes
Luo-Connecting points of one meridian can communicate with two meridians. They treat diseases of the collaterals and can be used to treat chronic diseases, especially chronic diseases of the Zang-Fu organs. Clinically, Luo-Connecting points are often combined with Yuan-Source points in the treatment of diseases.
KI4 Neuroanatomy
Superficial Innervation: Medial calcaneal branches of tibial nerve (S1 - S2)
Dermatome Segment: S1
KI4 Nearby Points
UB60 - In a depression between the lateral malleolus and the Achilles tendon, level with the prominence of the lateral malleolus
SP5 - In a depression distal and inferior to the medial malleolus, at the junction of lines drawn along the anterior and inferior borders, midway between the tuberosity of the navicular bone and tip of the medial malleolus
LV4 - Anterior to the medial malleolus, halfway between SP5 and ST41, in a depression on the medial side of the tendon of tibialis anterior
KI5 Shui Quan
Water Spring
KI5 Location
1 cun directly below KI3, in a depression anterior and superior to the calcaneal tuberosity (insertion of Achilles tendon into calcaneus)
KI5 Needling
Oblique-perpendicular insertion directed away from the bone 0.3-0.5 cun; or transverse to SP3
KI5 Associations
Xi Cleft Point
KI5 TCM Actions
Regulates the Chong and Ren Mai
Benefits menstruation
Benefits urination
KI5 Indications
Regulates Chong and Ren Mai: Nourishes Yin and Blood, prolapse of uterus, cloudy vision, short sightedness, abdominal pain,
Regulates menstruation: Amenorrhoea, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhoea, delayed menstruation with oppression and pain below the Heart on onset of menstruation
Benefits urination: difficult urination, dribbling urination.
KI5 TCM Patterns
Liver Blood Stagnation
Kidney Yin Deficiency
KI5 Notes
Location of the tibialis posterior pulse
In “leg-strengthening needling” this point is needled transversely connecting with Zhaohai Kid-6, Rangu Kid-2, Gongsun Sp-4 and Taibai Sp-3, creating sore numb and distending feeling in heel and sole of foot (Liu Yan, 2008, Diagrams of Acupuncture Manipulations, p. 140-1).
In “Hidrosis stopping needling” to control excessive sweating, oedema and urinary disorders, this point is needled transversely in a superior direction to pass through Dazhong Kid-4, Taixi Kid-3 and Fuliu Kid-7 (Liu Yan, 2008, Diagrams of Acupuncture Manipulations, p. 140-1).
KI5 Neuroanatomy
Superficial Innervation: Medial calcaneal branches of tibial nerve (S1 - S2)
Dermatome Segment: S1
KI5 Nearby Points
LV4 - Anterior to the medial malleolus, midway between SP5 and ST41 in a depression on the medial side of the tendon of tibialis anterior
SP5 - On the medial side of the ankle, in a depression which lies at the junction of straight lines drawn along the anterior and inferior borders of the medial malleolus
UB60 - In a depression between the tip of the external malleolus and the Achilles tendon
KI6 Zhao Hai
Shining Sea
KI6 Location
1 cun below the prominence of the medial malleolus, in the groove formed by two ligamentous bundles of tibialis posterior anteriorly and flexor digitorum longus posteriorly. These may be highlighted by flexing and inverting the foot.
KI6 Needling
Oblique insertion directed superiorly 0.3 - 0.5 cun
KI6 Associations
Confluent of Yin Qiao Mai (coupled with LU7)
KI6 TCM Actions
Benefits throat
Nourishes Kidney and clears deficiency heat
Calms spirit
Regulates lower jiao
Regulates Yin Qiao Mai
KI6 Indications
Benefits throat: Sore throat from any etiology, especially empty heat from yin deficiency.
Other Yin Deficient throat related issues - swollen, dry, loss of voice, difficult swallowing. Plum pit qi.
Regulates Yin Qiao Mai: (urogenital issues, eyes, throat, digestion, sleep, hotflashes, movement and weakness of limbs) A range of menstrual issues such as amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, infertility from cold in the uterus, leukorrhea.
Regulates lower jiao: Genital issues (shan disorders) such as swelling, itching, seminal emission and/or involuntary erections in men.
Constipation from Yin Deficiency.
Nourishes Kidney and clears deficiency heat/ Regulate Yin Qiao Ma: Nighttime epilepsy, insomnia, disturbed sleep with nightmares, yin deficient symptoms such as hot hands/feet, night sweats.
Calms the spirit: range of anxiety disorders, fear/fright.
KI6 TCM Patterns
Kidney Yin Deficiency
KI6 Notes
One of the best points to nourish Kidney Yin
The connection with the Yin Qiao Mai is derived from the Ling Shu Ch. 23, On Heat Diseases, which advises using this point to remove disease from the Yin Qiao Mai when the eyes are red and sore and this originates from the inner canthus.
KI6 Neuroanatomy
Superficial Innervation: Medial calcaneal branches of tibial nerve (S1 - S2)
Dermatome Segment: L4
KI6 Nearby Points
LV4 - Midway betweem SP5 and ST41 in a depression on the lateral side of the tendon of tibialis anterior
SP5 - At the junction of lines drawn along the anterior and inferior borders of the medial malleolus
UB62 - In a depression below the external malleolus, 0.5 cun inferior to the inferior border of the malleolus, in a depression posterior to the peroneal tendons
KI7 Fu Liu
Returning Current
KI7 Location
On the medial border of the lower leg, 2 cun superior to KI3, on the anterior border of the Achilles tendon
KI7 Needling
Perpendicular 0.5 - 1 cun
KI7 Associations
Jing River
Metal Point
Mother Point
KI7 TCM Actions
Benefits the Kidneys
Regulates sweating
Strengthens lumbar region
Regulates the water passages and treats edema
Drains damp and clears damp heat
(SLED)
KI7 Indications
Regulates Kidneys and water passages, sweating: Tonifies KD Yang, especially with respect to water regulation, sweating, swellings, urinary issues
Regulates sweating: too much or too little, spontaneous, night sweating, fever with absence sweating
Regulates edema: Edema, especially chronic effecting the abdomen a/or lower legs, five types of edema,
Drains damp, clears damp heat: Five types of Lin Disorder - resolve accumulation of damp a/or damp-heat. Diarrhea, abdominal distention, hemorrhoids, constipation.
Strengthens lumbar region: Low back pain from deficiency a/or stagnation.
Main treatment point of Kidney Sho pattern (with LU 5 and LU 8) - in Japanese style Five Phase treatment protocol.
KI7 TCM Patterns
Kidney Yang Deficiency
Spleen Unable to Govern Blood
KI7 Notes
One of the foremost points for strengthening the kidney functions of controlling water balance, including oedema, sweating and urination.
In five element acupuncture this point is reinforced to tonify Kidney deficiencies.
KI7 Neuroanatomy
Superficial Innervation: Saphenous nerve (L3 - L4)
Dermatome Segment: S1
Deeper Structures: Tibial nerve (L5 - S2)
KI7 Trigger Point
Muscle: Soleus
Myotome Innervation: Tibial nerve (L5 - S2)
Pain Referral Pattern: Radiating down the Achilles tendon to the calcaneus at the heel of the foot
Indications: Tendon and muscle strains of the lower leg ; Periostitis of the calcaneus
KI7 Nearby Points
SP6 - 3 cun above the the tip of the medial malleolus, on the posterior border of the tibia
UB59 - 3 cun directly above UB60
GB39 - 3 cun above the tip of the external malleolus, in a depression between the posterior border of the fibula and tendons of peroneus longus and brevis
KI8 Jiao Xin
Exchange Belief (Intersection Reach)
KI8 Location
On the medial aspect of the lower leg, 0.5 cun anterior to KI7, 2 cun above KI3, posterior to the medial border of the tibia
KI8 Needling
Perpendicular 0.5 - 1 cun
KI8 Associations
Xi Cleft Point of Yin Qiao Mai
KI8 TCM Actions
Drains damp/clears heat from lower jiao
Regulates Ren and Chong Mai
Stops uterine bleeding
Regulates menstruation
(DRUM)
KI8 Indications
Drains damp/clears heat from lower jiao: Swelling and pain of the testicles, itching of the genitals, shan disorder, diarrhea, difficult defecation or urination
Regulates menstruation/Stops uterine bleeding: Uterine bleeding, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea, uterine prolapse.
Lumbar pain, pain of the inner aspect of the thigh.
KI8 TCM Patterns
Not sure
KI8 Notes
Using Yuen’s (2005, The Extraordinary Vessels) interpretation Yin Qiao Mai as the vessels of our approach to ourselves, this point’s name and its allocation as the Xi-Cleft point reflect an indication for people who need to change their self-beliefs.
KI8 Neuroanatomy
Superficial Innervation: Saphenous nerve (L3 - L4)
Dermatome Segment: L4
Deeper Structures: Tibial nerve (L5 - S2)
KI8 Nearby Points
SP6 - 3 cun above the the tip of the medial malleolus, on the posterior border of the tibia
UB59 - 3 cun directly above UB60
GB39 - 3 cun above the tip of the external malleolus, in a depression between the posterior border of the fibula and tendons of peroneus longus and brevis
KI9 Zhu Bin
Guest House
KI9 Location
On the medial aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun above KI3, on a line drawn between KI3 and KI10, about 1 cun posterior to the medial border of the tibia
KI9 Needling
Perpendicular 1 - 1.5 cun
KI9 Associations
Xi Cleft point of Yin Wei Mai
KI9 TCM Actions
Calm Shen
Clears the heart and transforms phlegm
Regulates qi and alleviates pain
KI9 Indications
Calm Shen:/Clear Heart: Strong spirit disorders - anger, cursing, mania.
Regulate qi and alleviate pain: Deficient yang, cold, in the abdomen - shan disorder, hernia, pain a/or retraction of the scrotum.
Clear heart and transforms phleghm: absence of milk, colic, abnormal menstruation, pelvic inflammatory disease, nephritis, cystitis, swollen tongue, decline of vital dynamism, muscle spasm.
Useful in a detox prescription to assist the cleansing, especially with respect to emotional outbreaks
Alleviate pain: Pain of the medial aspect of the leg, contraction of the calf muscle, weakness of the legs.
KI9 TCM Patterns
Shen Disturbance
Heart Phlegm Fire
KI9 Neuroanatomy
Superficial Innervation: Saphenous nerve (L3 - L4)
Dermatome Segment: L4
Deeper Structures: Tibial nerve (L5 - S2)
KI9 Trigger Point
Muscle: Soleus and flexor hallucis longus
Myotome Innervation: Soleus: Tibial nerve (L5 - S2); Flexor hallucis longus: Tibial nerve (S1 & S2 nerve roots)
Location Notes: Soleus is slightly posterior, like a medial Feiyang Bl-58
Pain Referral Pattern:
\nSoleus: To heel
\nFlexor hallucis longus: To big toe
Indications: Tenderness in the heel (soleus) ; Strain of toe flexors (flexor hallucis longus)
KI9 Notes
The name of this point (Guest House), its function of calming the mind and its position on the Yin Wei Mai suggest its main usage may be for difficulties in dealing with people.
KI9 Nearby Points
LV5 - 5 cun superior to the tip of the medial malleolus, on the midline surface of the tibia
SP7 - 6 cun above the tip of the medial malleolus on a line connecting SP9 and the tip of the medial malleolus on the posterior border of the tibia
UB58 - 7 cun directly above UB60, posterior to the border of the fibula, 1 cun lateral and inferior to UB57
GB35 - 7 cun above the tip of the external malleolus, on the posterior border of the fibula
KI10 Yin Gu
Yin Valley
KI10 Location
At the medial end of the popliteal crease, between the semintendinosus and semimembranosus tendons. Locate and needle with knee slightly flexed.
KI10 Needling
Perpendicular insertion 1 - 1.5 cun
KI10 Associations
He Sea
Water Point
Horary Point
(Opening of Kidney Divergent Channel)
KI10 TCM Actions
Benefits the kidneys
Clears damp-heat from the lower jiao
Activates the channel and alleviates pain
KI10 Indications
Clears damp or damp-heat in the lower jiao: urgent/difficult urination, genital pain/itching, leukorrhea, uterine bleeding.
Main treatment point of Liver Sho pattern (with LV 8) - in Japanese style Five Phase treatment protocol.
Benefits kidneys:
- Difficult urination, pain on urination, dark urine, diarrhoea.
- Impotence, pain of the genitals, itching of the scrotum.
- Shan disorder, hypogastric pain radiating to the genitals and inner thigh, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, periumbilical pain.
- Uterine bleeding, leucorrhoea, difficult conception.
Addictions, manic disorders, mania-depression, protrusion of the tongue with drooling.
Activates channel and alleviates pain: Drilling knee pain with immobility, pain of the inner aspect of the thigh.
KI10 TCM Patterns
Liver Yin Deficiency
Bladder Damp Heat
KI10 Neuroanatomy
Superficial Innervation: Medial femoral cutaneous nerve of the thigh (L2 - L4)
Dermatome Segment: L4
Deeper Structures: Tibial nerve (S1 - S2) in Melzack’s location
KI10 Trigger Point
Muscle: Gastrocnemius
Myotome Innervation: Tibial nerve (roots from S1 & S2)
Location Notes: Melzack’s trigger point location for this point is lower than the classical acupuncture description, on the belly of the calf approx. 5 cun inferior to the classical location, on a line connecting the classical Yingu Kid-10 with Taixi Kid-3
Pain Referral Pattern: To the medial aspect of the sole of the foot, around the navicular
Indications: Tendon and muscle strains of the lower leg ; Periostitis of calcaneus
KI10 Notes
He-Sea points are where the qi of the meridian collects and goes deep into the body. He-sea points are known to indicated treat rebellious qi and diarrhea.
Ling Shu Ch. 71, On Evil Visitors, says that when a depletion evil is in the Kidneys it remains in hollows of the knees. Yuen’s theory of the Divergent meridians suggests that they store pathogens at the major joints, depleting our resources while they do, which gives a likely rationale for this statement.
This point is also on the 4th trajectory of the Chong mai relating to structural aspects of the body via the Qiao (Yuen, 2005, The Extraoridinary Vessels).
When combined with Yangchi SJ-4 and Waiguan SJ-5 this point relates to the Sixth Level of Manifestation of the Soul or the Ajna chakra concerned with the Will to Create endless possibilities. This point pools the Yin while Yangchi SJ-4 pools the Yang and Waiguan SJ-5 emanates the resulting mixture outwards via the Yang wei mai and the San jiao as an irrigation system.
This stage also relates to the formation of the spiritual embryo and attainment of immortality in meditation practice (Yuen, 2005, 3 Spirits & 7 Souls).
KI10 Nearby Points
LV8 - At the medial end of the transverse popliteal crease, posterior to the medial epicondyle of the tibia, in a depression on the anterior border of the insertions of semitendinosus and semimembranosus, with knee flexed
